Education is one of the most powerful tools for change, yet for many Native American students, access to higher education remains a challenge. Geographic isolation, financial barriers, and a lack of resources often make pursuing a college degree daunting. The American Indian Education Fund® (AIEF), a program of Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA), seeks to change that by providing scholarships and support to Native students striving to make a difference in their communities. One of these students is Kaylee D., a determined young woman from the Whippoorwill Chapter of the Navajo Nation whose journey to higher education has been inspiring and transformative.

Kaylee grew up in Whippoorwill, Arizona, a small and close-knit community where everyone knows each other. Life in Whippoorwill comes with many challenges, including limited access to food and resources.

“Still to this day, my family drives all the way to Flagstaff to get food,” Kaylee shared, noting the 135-mile distance. “Local options are more expensive, and it can be tough for people who don’t have transportation. But I think that’s what made me stronger and more resourceful.”

Kaylee’s roots run deep within the Navajo Nation. Her mother is from Whippoorwill, while her father is from Rough Rock, a place she holds close to her heart. She told us, “I really love Rough Rock, especially where my dad’s family is from. It’s so pretty. There’s just a bunch of mountains and wild animals.”

Leaving the familiarity of the reservation for college was a significant change for Kaylee. Attending Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe for her first semester, she faced the culture shock of living in a bustling urban environment. Kaylee shared, “When I first got here, I was so scared to leave my dorm room or go anywhere. You hear a lot of scary stories—like missing and murdered Indigenous women—and how it’s everywhere, not just on the reservation anymore.”

Kaylee also encountered microaggressions from students unfamiliar with her background. “I heard someone say it was sad, and they thought it was depressing that I wanted to go back home,” she recalled. Kaylee turned to writing to process these new challenges, inspired by her major: Secondary Education English with a minor in Native American Studies. “Writing is an outlet for me. That’s why I picked my major.”

As she adjusted, Kaylee found solace in Indigenous-focused organizations at ASU, like Labriola and AISSS (American Indian Student Support Services). Through these communities, she discovered a sense of belonging. “It started to feel more comforting, like a second home. I knew I could find people who were like me and lived on reservations.”

One of her most memorable experiences was attending the “Rez Ball” film screening hosted by AISSS. She shared, “It was such a surreal experience that I’ll never forget – watching a movie about Native Americans with a room full of Native Americans. It showed how much we impacted the world so far and how we will continue to impact the world because we’re putting ourselves out there, being happy, and showing that we’re still here.”

She also participated in an art and fashion show hosted by Alpha Pi Omega, an Indigenous women’s sorority. She modeled traditional clothing and read one of her poems aloud to the audience. “I saw so much culture and women coming together. It was really nice to be in that environment around strong women trying to make their passions possible.”

Kaylee’s experiences at ASU have only strengthened her commitment to reinvesting in her people. She plans to return home after graduation to teach high school English. She told us, “I didn’t really have a good experience in school. When I was younger, I was bullied by one of my teachers. Plus, there’s so much potential with Native American students, and I don’t want them to be affected by a bad teacher. Teaching in school is the foundation of growth and learning. I just want to help my people and support the youth in finding their passions.”

Kaylee also dreams of launching a nonprofit organization to help Native American students navigate the complexities of higher education. “There’s a lot of hurdles, like understanding financial aid and deciding whether college or trade school is the best option.” Her inspiration comes from her older sister, who struggled through the college admissions process without guidance. “My parents didn’t go to college, so no one in our life really knew how to go about it. My sister is my biggest supporter and inspiration, along with the rest of my family. She really encourages my dreams.”

Kaylee discovered the AIEF scholarship while searching for resources on the FAFSA website. She remembers thinking, “I might as well try it. I need to pay for school somehow. The worst I could get is a ‘no’.” Receiving the AIEF scholarship eased her financial worries, allowing her to focus fully on her studies. “It helped me go to school feeling comfortable about not having to worry about finances.”

Kaylee is deeply grateful for the support she has received. Kaylee said in a message to donors, “Thank you for giving me this opportunity to further my education. Without it, I don’t know if I’d be able to follow my passion and complete my goals. I really appreciate it!”

Education is the key to strengthening Native communities, and students like Kaylee are proving that with the right support, they can thrive. The AIEF scholarship program provides essential funding to Native students who are determined to make a difference. Your donation can help ensure that future generations of Native American students have the opportunity to succeed and reinvest in their communities.